🎬 Hollywood Goes Indie?

PLUS: Netflix nearly doubles subs! 📈

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The Dailies
July 20, 2023

👋 Good morning! Welcome aboard the Dailies.

Whether you're a seasoned subscriber or a new arrival, we're thrilled to have you here. Twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, we'll navigate through the bustling world of Hollywood and deliver the juiciest film industry scoops directly to your inbox. No need to worry about deciphering complex jargon—we've got you covered with straightforward and easy-to-understand language. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an exhilarating ride as we kick off the show! 🚀

🎞 Here’s what’s on the reel today:

  • Hollywood Goes Indie?

  • Ruffalo’s Rallying Cry

  • Negotiation Details Emerge

  • Netflix’s Ad Revolution

  • Netflix Focuses on IP Over Acquisitions

  • Development Notes: Bite-sized scoops on developing stories/projects

  • Release Radar: What to watch this weekend

  • Latest Trailers

But first, it’s Thursday, so let’s take at what people were watching this week… 👀

🥇MOST STREAMED THIS WEEK 🌎

FILM 🎥

Netflix: Birdbox Barcelona

HBO: Bullet Train

Disney+: Avatar: The Way of Water

Prime Video: Culpa Mía

Paramount: Top Gun: Maverick

Hulu: Night Train

Apple+: Ghosted

TV 📺

Netflix: Too Hot to Handle

HBO: Game of Thrones

Disney+: Secret Invasion

Prime Video: The Summer I Turned Pretty

Paramount: South Park

Hulu: The Bear

Apple+: Hijack

Now, let’s see what’s got people buzzin’... 🚨

💡SPOTLIGHT💡 

Hollywood Goes Indie?

SAG-AFTRA just released a list of 39 films and TV shows that scored waivers from the actors guild, allowing them to keep filming amidst the ongoing strike against the studios. With on-location filming at its lowest since the early days of COVID, it's like a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos!

Some big names have made the cut, including:

Now, let's talk logistics. The SAG strike order covers various production agreements, but independent producers tied to the AMPTP can apply for an interim agreement to keep the cameras rolling. The guild is diligently reviewing applications and updating the list daily, so more exciting projects may join the fray. We're rooting for those "truly independent" endeavors!

Ruffalo’s Rallying Cry

While it's unclear whether the actors involved will choose to work on these waiver-approved projects while their peers are on strike, Mark Ruffalo took to Twitter to urge actors to prioritize indie filmmaking and challenge Hollywood's billionaire empire. He suggests creating a film and TV-making system alongside studios, fostering competition, and sharing in the success.

Ruffalo's call resonates with stars like Susan Sarandon, who tweeted in agreement, mentioning Matt Damon's indie studio Artists Equity. By supporting independent projects and securing SAG-AFTRA waivers, actors can address residual issues and reshape the industry for fair compensation. With Ruffalo's rallying cry, actors can unite and create a new world where everyone benefits.

Change is in the air, and we're all eagerly awaiting the resolution between the studios and SAG-AFTRA. Until then, let's celebrate these passionate indie filmmakers who are pushing forward!

More SAG-AFTRA + AMPTP Negotiation Details Emerge 😡 SAG-AFTRA members express surprise and disappointment after after getting a clearer look at what was on the negotiating table last week. A 12-page document outlines negotiation points between SAG and the AMPTP. The counterproposals were described as "insulting" and a "flat-out rejection" by union members. AMPTP countered that SAG-AFTRA's claims were "disingenuous" and failed to include their verbal offers from July 12… Sooo it’s looking like this strike won't end quickly.

Netflix's Ad Revolution: Doubling Ad Tier Subs, but Revenue Still on the Rise! 📈 Netflix had some good news to share in its second-quarter earnings: its ad-supported tier saw a whopping increase in subscribers, nearly doubling from the previous quarter. This comes after the service began cracking-down on password sharing in May. However, the streaming giant admitted that the revenue from these ads is still not a major contributor to its overall business. Still, Netflix is confident that it can turn advertising into a multibillion-dollar revenue stream in the long run. In the meantime, they bid farewell to their lowest-cost plan without ads, aiming to drive up subscriptions to the ad-supported service. So, get ready for more ads, folks—about 4 minutes per hour on average.😅

More on the streaming giant…

Netflix Raises Cash Flow and Focuses on IP 📺 Netflix anticipates $5 billion in free cash flow this year. The company intends to use the cash to strengthen its content library, aligning with their historical approach of being "builders over buyers." BUT when they do put on their buyer’s hat, it will be with the intention of acquiring IP that they can develop into great content for their subscribers… they’re looking for franchises. 😎

DEVELOPMENT NOTES

  • Benny Safdie confirms he will not co-direct new Adam Sandler Netflix film with his brother Josh. (more)

  • Indie financier Bron files for bankruptcy. (more)

  • Mattel shops for a new deal as ‘Masters of the Universe’ movie is dead at Netflix. (more)

  • Hans Zimmer to compose for The Creator. (Trailer below 👇)

  • Amanda Seyfried’s ‘Seven Veils’ will premiere at Toronto Film Festival this September. (more)

  • Gerry Turner, a 71-year-old grandfather, is set to star in ABC’s new senior-focused The Bachelor spinoff. (more)

  • Broadcasters like NBC are forced to shuffle around their Fall 2023 TV schedules amid strikes. (more)

  • James Cameron expresses doubt about AI's ability to write compelling scripts, while also warning about the potential dangers of AI weaponization. (more)

  • Christopher Nolan empathizes with Tarantino’s decision to retire on recent Reel Blend podcast. (more)

  • Yellowstone series sets its broadcast TV Debut for fall 2023. (more)

  • Management firm Wasserman announces deal to buy CSM Sport & Entertainment. (more)

  • Warner Music makes deal with TikTok to boost social media revenue. (more)

  • Tubi hires Anjali Sud, former CEO of Vimeo, as new CEO. (more)

  • Frankenstein producer says Guillermo del Toro is building his own monster universe. (more)

RELEASE RADAR
What to watch this weekend? 👀

THEATRICAL 🎥

  • Oppenheimer: Christopher Nolan’s latest highly-anticipated film following the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Wondering what format to buy tickets for? Check out this cool video explaining which one to see: Oppenheimer Formats Explained

  • Barbie: Barbie and Ken's idyllic existence in Barbie Land is turned upside down when they venture into the real world.

  • Theater Camp: Quirky staff members of a theater camp rally together in a hilarious and heartwarming adventure when their beloved founder falls into a coma.

POLL: Which will you be seeing first?

Barbenheimer or Oppenarbie?

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STREAMING 📺

  • The Deepest Breath: Dive into the mesmerizing depths of the ocean and join courageous explorers on a poignant and thrilling journey of free-diving. (Netflix)

  • Underrated: A captivating documentary about Golden State Warriors basketball star Stephen Curry. (Apple TV+)

  • They Cloned Tyrone: An unlikely trio is swept into a web of unsettling occurrences, propelling them on a thrilling quest to uncover a sinister government conspiracy. (Netflix)

ROLL THE TRAILERS

And... that's a wrap on our weekly round-up!

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Have a great weekend and catch you bright and early Monday. 👋 

-The Dailies Team

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